Tossing game

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a game comprising a marker, a first tossable object, and at least a second tossable object, at least one of the marker, the first tossable object, and the second tossable object providing an outcome determinative means, the outcome of the game determinable based on the position of the first object and the at least second object with respect to the marker, and in conjunction with the determinative means. Determinative means may include indicia or other means for determining the outcome of a round of the game.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application under 35 USC §120 of U.S. Utility patent application, Ser. No. 11/277,015; filed 20 Mar. 2006, hereby abandoned, included by reference herein and for which benefit of the priority date is hereby claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to games, and more specifically to a. tossing game for one or more players which can be played anywhere.

2. Background Information

Tossing and rolling games come in many varieties. There are ball toss games, marker tossing games, coin toss games, bag toss games, dice games, etc. Whether the games involve tossing, throwing, rolling, etc., of objects, there is usually some element of moving a piece in relation to other pieces or targets. Many of the more popular games involve an element of chance combined with a requirement of skill. Games that are easy to learn and which can be played anywhere are particularly. desirable.

Some examples of game inventions for which patents have been granted are found in the following: Boulanger, U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,278; Kanda, U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,669; Dineen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,483; Hiserman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,962; Ascardi, U.S. Pat. No. 3,017,186; Tomoff, U.S. Pat. No. 4,486,023; Hopkins, U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,635; Bradbury, U.S. Pat. No. 3,504,914; and Brown, U.S. Patent Pub. No. U.S. 2002/0079645, Published Jun. 27, 2003.

Further, the game of bocce has entertained people for many years. Bocce balls are spherical and generally have no inbuilt bias so they will roll straight. The game involves use of a smaller ball called a jack that is first thrown. Players attempt to place their respective bocce balls closest to the jack to earn points. The team with the closest ball or balls to the jack is awarded one point for each ball that is closer to the jack than the other side's closest ball. One example of the game and rules of bocce can be found at the web site http://en.wikipeia.org/wiki/Bocce which is incorporated herein by reference.

The foregoing games and inventions are fine for their particular purposes yet none of them provide the type of versatility, entertainment, challenge, uncertainty and game aspects as the present invention. There is a lack of flexibility in the above games as to where or under what conditions they may be played. There is also a lack of uncertainty of the outcome of the game, even for a skilled player who can accurately position an object adjacent a target. Providing a target with a random or uncertain outcome or value adds a variety not present with prior games.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors of the present invention have recognized a need for a game which may be played in most any area or circumstance, that is portable, and that does not require elaborate set-up or any great amount of skill or learning. The inventors further recognize a need for a fun game that includes an element of chance no matter the relative skill of the participants, or even a game that can be configured to allow for handicapping of the game to accommodate for the differences in skill.

The invention is directed to a tossing game having at least one tossable marker, the marker providing at least one outcome determinative indicia; a first tossable object, and at least a second tossable object, wherein an outcome of the game is determined based on a position of the first tossable object and a position of the at least a second tossable object with respect to the marker. The game further includes determining the outcome with reference to the outcome indicia.

A further aspect of the invention includes a game comprising providing a tossable marker, the marker providing at least one outcome determinative indicia; providing a first tossable object and at least a second tossable object; tossing the marker; tossing the first object; tossing the at least a second object; and determining an outcome based upon the position of the first object and the at least a second object with respect to the marker. The game further includes determining the outcome with reference to the outcome indicia.

Yet a further aspect of the invention includes a tossing game comprising providing at least one tossable marker having multiple sides, the marker having multiple outcome determinative indicia; providing a first non-spherical tossable object, providing at least a second tossable object, and determining an outcome based on the relative positions of the first object and the second object with respect to the marker, and further based on at least one of the outcome determinative indicia.

Yet a further aspect of the invention includes a game comprising a marker providing outcome determinative means; a first tossable object, and at least a second tossable object, whereby an outcome of the game is determined based on a position of the first object and a position of the at least a second object with respect to the marker. The game further includes determining the outcome with reference to the outcome indicia.

Yet another aspect includes a game comprising a marker; a first tossable object, and at least a second tossable object, at least one of the marker, the first tossable object, and the second tossable object providing an outcome determinative means; the outcome of the game determined based on a position of the first object and a position of the at least a second object with respect to the marker, and further based on the outcome determinative means.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment, aspect, or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of a game of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of a game of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a further perspective view of a game of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a component depicting one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a rotated side view of the component of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a rotated side view of the component of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a further component of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cut-away view of a component depicting a further aspect of the present invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not necessarily to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a game that can be played in any environment or location. The pieces of the game can be of many different varieties, sizes, shapes and substances. A general aspect of the game includes at least one tossable marker having at least one outcome determinative indicia, a first tossable object, and at least a second tossable object. The outcome of the game is determined based on the position of the first and the second objects with respect to the marker. Typically the object closest to the marker is awarded the outcome as presented by the indicia. The indicia is most often a point or numerical value, but may be other types of indicia. Further aspects of the invention include indicia of an electronic variety. The game is amenable to a variety of rules of play and modification of the pieces, and can be changed to accommodate the desires of the players.

Referring to FIG. 1, a game according to the present invention is generally depicted with reference to numeral 20. In one aspect, game 20 includes a marker 22 having at least one indicia 24 (see below description and FIGS. 5-7 relating to indicia 24) Preferably marker 22 is tossable so that a first player 38 may toss marker 22 to begin game 20. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, player 38 may toss a first object 28, preferably toward marker 22; in turn, second player 40 tosses second object 30, preferably toward marker 22; and third player 42 tosses third object 32, preferably toward marker 22. Preferably at least two players are involved with game 20 but it may be appreciated that more or less players may play the game. After each player has thrown, the player who's object is closest to the marker 22 is typically awarded the command or value of the indicia 24. Alternatively, the players may all throw their respective objects at the same time, or determine an order of play. As a further alternative as in a table-top application, players may be associated with a particular object 28 (i.e., a particular color) with a single player tossing all of the objects and marker together (as in a dice box throw) to determine an outcome.

Marker 22 is preferably tossable so that players may toss the marker wherever their abilities or imagination allow, or if desired, within a designated or confined area of play. Game 20 may be played indoors or outdoors, or both; it may be played at a park, a field, or at the beach, in the pool, lake, ocean or other water area. It may be played in the woods, forest, mountains, parking lots, or any other areas. It may be played by persons of all ages and abilities, by children, college students, elderly adults, etc. It may be played as an educational game, as recreation, as contests of all varieties. No elaborate effort is required for set-up or take-down of the game 20. Players may opt to set no boundaries whatsoever, or they may elect to define the game to a particular area, perhaps even to the kitchen table, bar, or for play as a general board game, or to the classroom for instruction.

Indicia 24 may include questions with associated point values, such that a correct answer rewards a student (i.e., the student whose object is nearest to the marker must answer the question or act out the command in order to obtain the outcome). Marker 22 may be of any shape, size, weight or configuration, and is not limited to the particular features shown herein.

Marker 22 includes at least one outcome determinative indicia 24. Preferably marker 22 includes multiple indicia 24. Indicia 24 may be of any variety, including numerical values, colors, letters, symbols, images, pictures, clothing items, commands, etc. Preferably indicia 24 comprise point values. Indicia 24 may be etched onto marker 22, or may be affixed, painted, stuck, raised, drawn, burned, or otherwise provided on or in marker 22.

Preferably marker 22 is non-spherical (or even non-balanced) so that it is difficult to control the outcome of the game. Preferably, marker 22 has multiple sides 26, and preferably each side 26 includes indicia 24. While marker 22 may include any number of sides (including, for instance, a standard die having six sides), it is preferably 18-sided. Balance altering elements may also be included within marker 22 to achieve a desired random (or non-random) outcome upon tossing.

One variety of a marker 22 is shown with reference to FIGS. 5-7. FIG. 5 shows a side view of marker 22. FIG. 6 shows the same marker 22 of FIG. 5 rotated 45 degrees around a vertical axis “v”; and FIG. 7 shows the same marker 22 rotated 22½ degrees from the view of FIG. 6. This depiction of marker 22 includes six sides that are square (for instance, side 26 e and 26 f), and the twelve sides that are of a generally hexagonal shape (for instance, sides 26 a-d). It may be appreciated that the top and bottom sides (not shown) of FIG. 5 are also square shaped. While FIG. 5 is a side view, it may also be appreciated that a top view would be symmetrical, i.e., marker 22 may come to rest such that side 26 e could be on top. In that instance, indicia 24 e (i.e., the number value “3”) would be visible from the top and would therefore preferably operate to determine the outcome of the game 20 or of a round of the game 20. The player whose object 28 is closest to the marker 22 would receive the point value represented by the indicia 24, or in the above case, would receive three points. Typically at least two players will play rounds of the game until a stated winning score is achieved.

While the configuration of marker 22 as shown, in FIGS. 5-7 shows sides that are either square or hexagonal, it may be appreciated that various other shapes may be utilized for each or some of the sides. It may also be appreciated that a different number of sides may be used for the marker 22.

Game 20 may include a marker 22, a first tossable object 28 and at least a second tossable object 30. One variety of an object 28 is shown in FIG. 8. Preferably, player objects (i.e., object 28, 30, 32, etc.) are non-spherical or otherwise configured to make accurate tossing difficult. Preferably, objects 28, 30, 32, etc., are of differing colors or have distinguishing features in order to determine which player wins the round. Configuring objects 28 with multiple sides is preferred, such as an 18-sided object. Preferably tossable objects 28, 30, 32 and the like, are tossable as is marker 22. Preferably objects 28, 30, 32 are of the same or similar shape and configuration as marker 22. Tossable objects 28 and 30 may have a configuration similar to the configuration of marker 22 as shown in FIGS. 5-7, or of other desired variety. Objects 28 may optionally include object indicia 23. Object indicia 23 may include those features-as described herein pertaining to indicia 24.

In a round of play a player tosses marker 22 which eventually (or usually) comes to rest, typically with indicia 24 facing upwards. The players then toss their respective objects (i.e., object 28, 30, 32, etc.) at the marker 22 and attempt to position the objects in contact with the marker 22. The player having his or her object closest to the marker is typically awarded the point value represented by indicia 24 (typically the indicia facing upward on the marker). In a more difficult aspect, a winner of game 20 (or a round of the game 20) may be the player having an object being closest to marker 22 plus having an object indicia 23 (see FIG. 8) that matches marker indicia 24 (for instance, but not limited to, having upward facing object indicia 23 match upward facing marker indicia 24, such as indicia 24 e of FIG. 5 if side 26 e is upward-facing). Alternatively, object indicia 23 may be used in conjunction with indicia 24 to create a variety of outcomes depending on the desired game. For instance, indicia 24 may include a command, whereas object indicia 23 may include an integer number representing a required quantity of the demand (i.e., indicia may read “You add” while object indicia may read “3”, thus representing the addition of three points to the winner of that round). The commands, suggestions, values, etc., of indicia 24 and of object indicia 23 may be varied greatly based upon the desired game.

It may be appreciated that a tossable marker 22 (and/or objects 28) includes markers and/or objects of the type that may be tossed, which includes, but is not limited to, markers and/or objects that may be rolled, thrown, dropped, lifted, flown, kicked, shot, launched, propelled, etc., or otherwise placed in motion, and preferably placed in motion by an individual person without undue assistance from others or from machinery. Preferably marker 22 comes to a rest at some point during the round. It may also be appreciated, however, that procedures and mechanisms may be established for determining the outcome where a marker is still in motion (for instance, to determine which object is closer at any given time or interval). Such procedures and mechanisms may include use of electronic components and indicia as addressed below. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of tracking mechanisms may be used.

It may also be appreciated that in another aspect the invention may include a marker and/or objects that are not tossable or repositionable. In such aspect where marker and/or objects are not tossable, it would be preferred that indicia 24 may be varied (i.e., with electronics as mentioned below) such that there is an element of chance or skill associated with obtaining an outcome of the game. In such case either singular or multiple indicia may be contemplated, and preferably the indicia may vary as the case allows (such as, for instance, with the use of a random generator).

Different rules may be established for playing of game 20. One typical but non-limiting set of rules includes the following:

Beginning a game. Determine the starting orddr by having each player 38, 40, roll a die (not shown) or a marker 22 or object 28 with the highest number starting the game and the lowest number going last. If the two high numbers tie, the players shake the die until the tie is broken. The order may be determined by other method such as youngest to oldest or similar method.

The first player 38 begins by throwing marker 22 anywhere within a predetermined area (or anywhere if no predetermined area is established). When marker 22 comes to rest, first player 38 throws or tosses or otherwise places in motion first object 28 (preferably an 18-sided cube) and will attempt to throw object 28 as close to marker 22 as possible. The remaining player or players throw in order of the initial die shake and from the same location as first player 38 who began game 20 or began a round of game 20.

Scoring. All players start with zero points and play until a player achieves 21 points, for instance, to win. There are three ways to score points.

-   1) If a player hits marker 22 on the throw of his or her object 28,     that player is automatically given one point. If a subsequent player     hits a player's object 28 into marker 22, no point is earned. -   2) If a player's object 28 is touching marker 22 after everyone has     thrown, that player receives another point for touching marker 22. -   3) After everyone has thrown, the player whose object 28 is closest     to marker 22 gets the point value facing up on marker 22. Sometimes     indicia 24 of marker 22 will be facing upward, and such indicia     thereby determines the outcome. For instance, indicia 24 may include     something other than point values, and may include a different     command.

Sequence. The player whose object 28 is closest to marker 22 gets the point value (or other value or command) facing up on marker 22 and also begins the next round by throwing marker 22 and attempting to throw object 28 as close as possible to marker 22. Of the remaining players, the player with the most points goes next until all have thrown.

Options. Score of 21 or Bust. If a player scores over 21 points, they automatically go back to 15 points. An option is to require a player to achieve exactly 21 points to win. Call shots. Before a player throws the die, he or she may call a specific shot. For example, players must throw with the left hand, or between two trees, or must swim in the pool without goggles and drop the object to the bottom, etc.

Advanced Marker or Die. Occasionally when using a multi-sided marker such a an 18-sided marker or other die, it will land with a corner or edge facing upwards. When this happens, that player whose object is closest to the marker is given what is called a “free drop”. Free drop is defined as dropping the ball over the shoulder; and the side that faces up would be the score for that round. Additionally, it may simply be a judgment call as to which side is facing upward. When this happens, the majority rules. Whatever the majority of the players decide is the score for that round. If it is too close to call, a free drop may be the best option.

Advanced Object or Ball. The advanced object ball may be the same shape as marker 22. The game can be played to 21 or any other agreed upon number. The 18 sides may each contain indicia 24, and may be defined, for instance as follows:

-   1—Winner of round gets 1 point and starts the next round. -   2—Winner of round gets 2 points and starts the next round. -   3—Winner of round gets 3 points and starts the next round. -   4—Winner of round gets 4 points and starts the next round. -   5—Winner of round gets 5 points and starts the next round. -   6—Winner of round gets 6 points and starts the next round. -   10—Winner of round gets 10 points and starts the next round. -   Minus 10—Winner of round looses 10 points. (a rule may be     established that point totals do not go into negative numbers) -   20—Winner of round gets 20 points and starts the next round. -   Double Your Points—Winner of round doubles their point total. -   Lose ½ Your Points—Winner of round loses ½ of their point total. -   Get 2 Points Lose a Turn—Winner of round gets 2 points, throws the     die but does not get a turn in the round. -   Get 2 Points Call Shot—Winner of round gets 2 points, next round     must be a call shot, see rule options. -   Take 2 From All—Winner of round takes 2 points from all players with     2 or more points. -   Grab Bag—Winner of round shakes the target ball (“marker”) again to     determine scoring for that round. -   Utterly Wiped Out—Winner of round loses all points. -   Trade Your Points—Winner of round must trade their point total with     another player. -   2 Points, Farthest Wins—The person who was the farthest from the     target ball gets 2 points and starts the next round.     -   Of course, additional point values and options can be included         as desired. The above or other rules may be included on a rules         sheet (not shown) associated with game 20. Game 20 may be         packaged as a unit, and transported from place to place.     -   Use of six numbered sides works well for an 18-sided object         where each of the six squares of the object receives a numerical         indicia. The items of game 20 may preferably be packaged as a         unit (as in a box or carry case), and preferably with         instructions or instruction sheet.

In a further aspect of the invention, at least one of the marker 22 or of a tossable object 28 provides an outcome determinative means 25. Here, it may be appreciated that either or both marker 22 and/or object 28 may include indicia 24, indicia 23, and/or outcome determinative means 25.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, means 25 may include, for instance, but is not limited to, indicia 24. Outcome determinative means 25, or indicia 24, may also include and/or produce an electrical signal (which may represent multiple indicia, including outcome indicia). Outcome determinative means 25 may also include an electrical signal generator, an electrical signal transmitter, an electrical signal receiver, a radio frequency component, an RFID tag, an led, an integrated circuit, an integrated circuit device, a memory, a computer, a GPS (Global Positioning System) device, a random signal or random output generator (for producing, for instance, multiple indicia), a speaker, an audible signal indicia, or other similar indicia or other similar electrical device.

A further aspect of the invention includes placement of electrical components within marker 22 or objects 28, and may include use of a determinative means 25 as mentioned above, and further the use of a processor, memory chip, software, program, computer or other or similar device to control, manipulate or calculate the outcome of a game 20. In such case, the electrical components may comprise indicia 23/24, or means 25. For instance, marker 22 may include a computer chip and electrical components to broadcast a signal to be received by a computer (computer not shown). The computer may be a conventional computer or handheld unit which collects or processes information from the marker 22 and objects 28. Such information received by the computer may include relative positions of marker 22 and objects 28, including indicia information. The computer or program may calculate the winner of any round or game, and collect data in memory for future game uses. The computer or other means 25 may be configured to operate a handicap event to accommodate for the relative skill levels of the players (with use of programs with appropriate weighting criteria). Aspects of a computer program product may be implemented by use of any recording medium for machine-readable information, including magnetic media, optical media, or other suitable media. Persons skilled in the art will immediately recognize that any computer system having suitable programming means will be capable of executing the steps of a method of the invention as embodied in a program product. Persons skilled in the art will recognize immediately that, although some aspects described in this specification are oriented to software installed and executing on computer hardware, nevertheless, alternative embodiments implemented as firmware or as hardware are well within the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, a marker 22 is shown as being cut in half with the bottom portion of marker 22 shown. While marker 22 appears as a solid, it may be appreciated that marker 22 may also include hollow spaces, or other areas for holding items (including for holding batteries, if needed). Marker 22 includes outcome means 25, which in this particular case includes a micro-chip 27 wired to an indicator light 29 via wire 31 (dotted line). It may be appreciated that light 29 may include an array of lights or LEDs or other display item. Chip 25 may also include an RFID device or GPS device for further tracking of marker 22. Signal data may be sent from or received by means 25 to coordinate control or tracking of the game 20 and to monitor each player's turn in tossing an object 28 which may be similarly equipped with means 25 or chip 27. Signal data received by or transmitted from marker 22 or object 28 may include a variety of information, including the position of a marker 22 or object 28, orientation, indicia, velocity, acceleration, or other game relevant data. Such game data may be displayed on a device used by a player or referee to coordinate play and to award prizes, etc. It may be appreciated that a game 20 may be played on a small scale with relatively few players at a small location, or if desired, on a global scale with perhaps many players. Appropriate tracking mechanisms of the marker(s) 22 and object(s) 28 are contemplated for large scale gaming. Use of internet or other global computer networking is contemplated for play of the game or for controlling any desired aspects of the game. Signal data may be stored and accessible for an Internet use and application for individuals or many players. In a further aspect, clues, as to the location or other information of the marker may be incorporated into the game and into signal data to be used by players.

While the present invention has been described with reference to several particular example embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims. 

1. A tossing game combining skill in positioning with a reading of determinative indicia for determining the outcome of the game comprising: providing at least one tossable marker, said marker having multiple sides providing at least one outcome determinative indicia; providing a first tossable object having at least one distinguishing feature in order to determine which player wins the game and at least a second tossable object having at least one distinguishing feature in order to determine which player wins the game; tossing said marker to a location predetermined by a player, wherein the marker comes to rest with at least one indicia facing upward; tossing said first object to attempt to position first tossable object in contact with the marker; tossing said at least a second object to position said object in contact with the marker; and determining an outcome based upon the position of said first object and said at least a second object with respect to said marker in light of the determinative indicia.
 2. The game of claim 1 wherein the distinguishing feature for a tossable object is a color.
 3. The game of claim 1 wherein said marker has multiple sides and includes multiple outcome determinative indicia.
 4. The game of claim 3 wherein outcome determinative indicia includes a numerical value.
 5. The game of claim 3 wherein outcome determinative indicia includes a command.
 6. The game of claim 1 wherein said game comprises a set of rules for determining an outcome for said game.
 7. The game of claim 6 wherein the set of rules is based on indicia determines a winner of a round of said game.
 8. A game combining skill in positioning objects in relation to a marker with indicia on the marker comprising: providing at least one marker having multiple sides, the marker being tossable, and having multiple outcome determinative indicia; providing a first non-spherical object, providing at least a second object, and providing a set of rules for determining an outcome of the game based upon the relative positions of said first object and said second object with respect to said marker, and further based on at least one of said outcome determinative indicia.
 9. The game of claim 8 wherein said outcome determinative means includes multiple indicia.
 10. The game of claim 8 wherein said outcome determinative means includes one from the group comprising: indicia, an electrical signal generator, micro-chip, RFID tag, GPS device, LED, and electrical signal receiver.
 11. The game of claim 8 wherein said marker is tossable and wherein said first and said second objects include a signal transmitter.
 12. The game of claim 8 wherein said outcome determinative means includes a random selection.
 13. The game of claim 8 wherein the outcome is determined based on said at least one outcome determinative means.
 14. A game to be played by two or more players comprising: providing a marker; providing a first tossable object, and providing at least a second tossable object, said first tossable object and said second tossable object having distinguishing features in order to determine which player wins the round, at least one of said marker, said first tossable object, and said second tossable object providing an outcome determinative means; wherein the players toss their respective objects at the marker and attempt to position the objects in contact with the marker; the game having a set of rules wherein the outcome of said game is based on a position of said first object and a position of said at least a second object with respect to said marker, and further based on said outcome determinative means.
 15. The game of claim 14 wherein said outcome determinative means includes outcome indicia.
 16. The game of claim 15 wherein said outcome determinative means includes a random generator.
 17. The game of claim 15 wherein said outcome determinative means includes one from the group comprising: indicia, an electrical signal generator, micro-chip, RFID tag, GPS device, LED, and electrical signal receiver.
 18. The game of claim 17 wherein said marker is tossable and wherein said first and second objects include a signal transmitter. 